INTPs exhibit the greatest precision in thought and language of all
the types; they tend to see distinctions and inconsistencies in thought
and language instantaneously. The one word which captures the unique style
of INTPs is architect--the architect of ideas and systems as well
as the architect of edifices. This type is found in only 1 percent of the
population and therefore is not encountered as frequently as some of the
other types.

INTPs detect contradictions in statements no matter how distant in space
or time the contradictory statements were produced. The intellectual scanning
of INTPs has a principled quality; that is, INTPs search for whatever is
relevant and pertinent to the issue at hand. Consequently, INTPs can concentrate
better than any other type.

Authority derived from office, position, or wide acceptance does not
impress INTPs. Only statements that are logical and coherent carry weight.
External authority per se is irrelevant. INTPs abhor redundancy and incoherence.
Possessing a desire to understand the universe, an INTP is constantly looking
for natural law. Curiosity concerning these keys to the universe is a driving
force in this type.

INTPs prize intelligence in themselves and in others, but can become
intellectual dilletantes as a result of their need to amass ideas, principles,
or understanding of behavior. And once they know something, it is remembered.
INTPs can become obsessed with analysis. Once caught up in a thought process,
that thought process seems to have a will of its own for INTPs, and they
persevere until the issue is comprehended in all its complexity. They can
be intellectual snobs and may show impatience at times with others less
endowed intellectually. This quality, INTPs find, generates hostility and
defensive behaviors on the part of others, who may describe an INTP as
arrogant.

For INTPs, the world exits primarily to be understood. Reality is trivial,
a mere arena for proving ideas. It is essential that the universe is understood
and that whatever is stated about the universe is stated correctly, with
coherence and without redundancy. This is the INTP's final purpose. It
matters not whether others understand or accept his or her truths.

The INTP is the logician, the mathematician, the philosopher, the scientist;
any pursuit requiring architecture of ideas intrigues this type. INTPs
should not, however, be asked to work out the implementation or application
of their models to the real world. The INTP is the architect of a system
and leaves it to others to be the builder and the applicator. Very often,
therefore, the INTP's work is not credited to him or her. The builder and
the applier gains fame and fortune, while the INTP's name remains obscure.
Appreciation of an INTP's theoretical work frequently comes posthumously--or
the work may never be removed from library shelves at all and thus lost.

INTPs tend not to be writers or to go into sales work. They are, however,
often excellent teachers, particularly for advanced students, although
INTPs do not always enjoy much popularity, for they can be hard taskmasters.
They are not good at clerical tasks and are impatient with routine details.
They prefer to work quietly, without interruption, and often alone. If
an organization is to use the talents of an INTP appropriately, the INTP
must be given an efficient support staff who can capture ideas as they
emerge and before the INTP loses interest and turns to another idea.

INTPs take their mating relationship seriously and usually are faithful
and devoted--albeit preoccupied at times. They are not likely to welcome
constant social activity or disorganization in the home. In all probability,
the mate of an INTP will initiate and manage the social life. If left to
his or her own devices, the INTP mate will retreat into the world of books
and emerge only when physical needs become imperative. INTPs are, however,
willing, compliant, and easy to live with, although somewhat forgetful
of appointments, anniversaries, and the rituals of daily living--unless
reminded. They may have difficulty expressing their emotions verbally,
and the mate of an INTP may believe that he/she is somewhat taken for granted.
As a parent, the INTP is devoted; they enjoy children, and are serious
about their upbringing. The home of an INTP parent is usually calm, low-key
in discipline, but well run and ordered.

INTPs deal with the environment primarily through intuition, and their
strongest quality, the thinking function, remains relatively hidden except
in close associations. Therefore, INTPs are often misunderstood, seen as
difficult to know, and seldom perceived at their true level of competency.
They are inclined to be shy except when with close friends, and their reserve
is difficult to penetrate. They are very adaptable until one of their principles
is violated. Then INTPs are not adaptable at all! They may have difficulty
in being understood by others because they tend to think in a complicated
fashion and want to be precise, never redundant in their communications.
Because their feeling qualities may be underdeveloped, they may be insensitive
to the wants and wishes of others, often quite unaware of the existence
of these wants and wishes.